The Tomb of Hongwu, the first Ming emperor, began being built in 1381, almost 20 years before Hongwu's death. The walkway leading to the tomb, called the Spirit Way, sits on an angle and is lined with statues of animals. Bright red doors at the Military and Civil Gate open up to reveal a Ming bridge to the Soul Tower. Much of the tomb was damaged either by the Taiping or during the Taiping Rebellion. You can still see the original foundations from where the Xiaoling Palace used to stand.